What are the Pony Club Australia National Championships? 

What are the Pony Club Australia National Championships? 

The 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia National Championships is the biggest stage for Pony Club riders across the country, and it is happening this week at the Werribee Park National Equestrian Centre.  

So, what exactly are the nationals, and what is happening across the next week? Read on to find out more! 

What are the Pony Club Australia National Championships? 

The National Championships are held biannually, rotating between host states. Each Pony Club State and Territory are invited to present a team of riders for the championships to represent them in both individual and team-ranked competition. The results of every rider from each state are tallied, with the overall high point state receiving the coveted Roger Braham Shield.  

Over 300 riders will attend this year’s Championships representing Pony Club NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, WA and NT.  

What disciplines are hosted?  

There are 6 core disciplines held at every Nationals 

• Dressage 

• Show Jumping 

• Eventing 

• Mounted Games 

• Quiz 

• Tetrathlon 

The host state also gets a “wildcard” event, which can change from year to year. This year it is Formal Gymkhana. In the past it has included the likes of Showman’s Challenge and Ride to Time. 

How does a rider qualify for the Nationals? 

The riders representing their respective states have gone through a very tough selection process. Whilst it does vary from state to state, the selection criteria for riders often includes  

• Previous Nationals (or International) Performance 

• Performance at their State Championships 

• Performance at other Pony Club events (Zone, Regional, Area events) 

• Performance in Open Level competition 

• A minimum Pony Club Rally Day Attendance (at least 3 rallies in the previous 12 months) 

• A minimum Pony Club Certificate obtained, often C Certificate for riders 15 and over.  

• Endorsement by their Club and Zone Chief Instructor  

Riders are often long listed early in the year leading up to a nationals. They then may attend training camps and selection days, as well as provide updated performance cards to solidify their final selection, which occurs mid-year.  

What else is on during the week? Is it just competition? 

Whilst it is certainly thrilling, this year, with the help of Ranvet, the National Championships are going to be much more than just the competition!  

Daily Education Program 

Ranvet is proud to facilitate a daily education program, which will see more than 10 different presenters cover hot topics in the equine world in free, interactive, 30-minute snap sessions. From nutrition to bit fitting, equine careers to equitation science, some of Australia’s leading trainers and presenters are making the special trip just for these can’t be missed sessions. All are welcome to attend these sessions!  

Find the full program at https://ponyclubausnatchamps.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/PCA-Nationals-Eductaion-Program.pdf  

Nightly Entertainment 

After each day’s competition, there will be various nighttime entertainment taking place in Indoor Areana 1, where all are welcome to attend.  

Night 1 is an incredibly special Master Class from Future Farms Head Riders and Trainers, Jessica and Kody Dertell. Jess will be presenting a class on Intro to Grand Prix, with her Stallion Kilimanjaro, fresh off their clean sweep at Brisbane CDI and their 4th place Global Ranking in the FEI Young Rider results. Kody, alongside his incredible purebred Arabian, and multiple title holding Australian Champion Cartier FF, will follow with a fabulous show of western and liberty training. You can trust that Kody and Cartier will have a few tricks up their sleeve! 

Also joining us will be Polocrosse Victoria, for an exhibition match between some of the top state players and horses on Thursday afternoon. This will be followed by the first ever Nationals Hobby Horse Championship, proudly supported by EQ Saddlery and Le Mieux!  

You can find the whole entertainment schedule here https://ponyclubausnatchamps.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Entertainment-Schedule_V.04.pdf  

Annual Awards Dinner 

To conclude the nationals, all the riders and their families are invited to the Formal Dinner at the Grand Star Conference and Exhibition Centre. Not only will the presentation of the Roger Braham Shield take place, but overall champions will be presented, as will the winners of the Annual Pony Club Australia Awards. These awards congratulate the riders, coaches, volunteers and clubs of the year, as well as inducting a new member into the Gillian Rolton PC Alumni Award recipients.  

Inter Pacific Exchange 

Just when you thought you couldn’t squeeze any more in, there’s one more thing! The Inter Pacific Exchange is taking place at the same time. The IPE is a showjumping challenge that brings together teams from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. They are already a week into their exchange, and have been familiarising themselves with their competition mounts, which are all OTT retrained thoroughbreds! On Thursday the riders will compete for the IPE glory over at Little River. The riders will join in the fun of the nationals as part of their exchange. 

I am not competing, are outside spectators welcome?  

Spectators and supporters are most certainly welcome! Family, friends and clubs travel from across the country to watch these top riders take part in the championships. 2025 is no exception, with even more to see and do, with not only competition taking place, but a daily education program, nightly entertainment, the Inter Pacific Exchange and a bustling trade village.  

For those attending, please register for a free entry ticket via https://events.humanitix.com/pony-club-national-championships-2025-event-spectator  

You can plan your day and find out everything you need to know via https://ponyclubausnatchamps.com.au/event-info/  

Safe travels and good luck to all the riders and horses competing at the 2025 Ranvet Pony Club Australia Nationals! Don’t forget to come visit Ranvet at Trade Site 1. We will see you there!